Intake screen for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

An air filtering enclosure for a vehicle to minimize the amount of debris entering the radiator of the vehicle is provided. The enclosure consists of a shell having a set of interfitting interior and exterior members. Mounted with the interior member are clips designed to mate with a series of compatibly arranged brackets on the vehicle frame. Attached opposite the clips are handles which a user may grasp to easily install and remove the shell from a vehicle. Interior and exterior members form a frame which encases sheets of perforated screening to restrict the introduction of debris into the radiator. The shell is completed with a rubber seal enabling tight sealing of the enclosure to the vehicle on which it is attached.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to vehicles which operate in environmentsprone to include airborne debris such as dust and grass clippings, andmore specifically, to a screening apparatus which may be clipped ontothe vehicle to prevent the entry of such debris into the vehicleradiator and area surrounding the engine.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Vehicles such as lawn and garden tractors often operate in ratherharsh conditions in which debris such as grass clippings and otherforeign matter tends to gain entry into the engine area. Introduction ofsuch materials typically causes difficulty for internal combustionengines which rely on a constant air flow to maintain proper cooling ofheated liquids flowing through the engine. If cooling of these liquidsdoes not occur, overheating of the engine may result causing the vehicleto experience a decrease in efficiency and extended periods of lostoperation.

[0005] Maintenance of a relatively constant operating temperature forthe engine is accomplished by cooling the liquid used to cool theengine. This is accomplished through passing the liquid through aradiator which is in turn cooled by air passed through it. Typically, afan draws air in through a grille or other opening on an outside of theengine body and towards the radiator through which the engine liquidscirculate. As the heated liquids are drawn through the radiator, theyare cooled by the flow of air flowing over openings provided in theradiator construction.

[0006] Often, restricting the passage of material through the radiatoras air is drawn through it is a screened covering placed in front of theradiator. Previous coverings have taken the form of an apparatus withapertures which is bolted onto either the radiator itself or anassociated support structure. Other constructions have includedhorizontally placed slats through which air is directed towards theradiator.

[0007] Screens of the above mentioned kind are sometimes heavy and oftennecessitate attachment with separate components of the type involvingnuts, bolts, and/or rivets. Accordingly, attachment of this typerequires the use of tools causing the user to expend time and effort,and in commercial applications unnecessary expense, in the placement,removal and/or installation of the screen. Additional disadvantagesinclude the passage of debris surrounding through the area at which thescreen is attached to the radiator or its support structure. Because ofthis, as debris is introduced into the radiator it may become clogged,with cooling of the heated engine liquids being reduced. Consequently,the engine may experience overheating, causing the operator unwanteddelay when attempting to accomplish intended grounds care.

[0008] Thus, it would be desirable to provide a lightweight screeningenclosure that is easy to install and/or remove from a vehicle. Further,it would be beneficial to provide such an enclosure that is durable, oflightweight construction, and which may be attached and/or removedwithout the use of tools. Additionally, it would be beneficial toprovide such an enclosure that serves to provide a good interfacebetween the vehicle to which it is attached and the peripheral surfaceof that enclosure so as to increase the effectiveness of the seal withthe vehicle. Enabling such a tight seal will allow for the efficientflow of air through the screen and into the radiator, thereby allowingproper cooling of liquid passing therethrough.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Accordingly, to address the above desires, there is provided adurable, lightweight, and easily removable enclosure. The enclosure actsas a filtration apparatus to effectively remove debris from air flowingtowards the radiator. Permitting a durable, while lightweightconstruction, the enclosure includes a frame assembly which housesscreening therebetween. The housing includes frame members constructedof plastic which are adhesively bonded together to prevent entry ofdebris therein.

[0010] Allowing for its easy removal and attachment, the enclosureincludes clips on an interior thereof that allow for its removal andattachment to the vehicle without the use of tools, thereby decreasingthe time and effort required for that adjustment. This clip-on structureis permanently affixed to the enclosure and permits easy release fromand attachment to the vehicle through the use of several spring assistedclips. The clips allow for secure fastening and detachment relative tothe vehicle, resulting in the increased confidence of the operator as tothat adjustment. Further, given the ability to easily remove theenclosure, periodic cleaning and any necessary maintenance of theradiator and surrounding area may be accomplished quickly.

[0011] In addition to the clip structure, a rubber sealing strip isprovided on an outer peripheral surface of the enclosure. The stripallows a tight seal between the members of the frame assembly as well asbetween the entire enclosure and the vehicle to which it is attached.Further, the strip permits the enclosure to be compressably sealed withthe vehicle, thereby greatly decreasing the amount of debris which isable to enter the engine area. Thus, the screening enclosureaccomplishes maximum filtration of air flowing into the engine block andsurrounding area as a result of its sealing capability.

[0012] Restriction of debris likely to pass into the engine area isfurther assisted by the placement of the clips used in attaching theenclosure to the vehicle. The clips are located on an interior of theenclosure. Because of this location, cracks or crevices in which debrismight otherwise become lodged and built up are eliminated. Consequently,the clear passage of air through the enclosure and into the engine areais enhanced.

[0013] Accordingly, there is provided a screening apparatus whichaccomplishes maximum filtration of air flowing into a vehicle engine andwhich may also be attached or removed from a vehicle securely and withease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a side view of a riding mower having the filteringenclosure of the present invention attached thereto.

[0015]FIG. 2 is an enlarged and exploded left rear and elevatedperspective view of the enclosure and rear portion of the mower.

[0016]FIG. 3 is an enlarged and elevated perspective view of theenclosure.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating the inside ofthe enclosure.

[0018]FIG. 5 is view of the enclosure similar to that in FIG. 4.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view of the enclosure illustrating theenclosure construction.

[0020]FIG. 6a is a sectional view of the sealing strip utilized betweenthe two shell members of enclosure assembly.

[0021]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the components comprising theenclosure assembly.

[0022]FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial view of a segment of screening usedwith the enclosure.

[0023]FIG. 9 is an enlarged and elevated perspective view of a framemember of the enclosure.

[0024]FIG. 9a is a section view of the enclosure taken along lines 9 a-9a of FIG. 9.

[0025]FIG. 10 is an enlarged front perspective view of a plate carriedby the mower frame and to which the radiator and enclosure are attached.

[0026]FIG. 11 is a section view of the enclosure taken along lines 11—l1of FIG. 3.

[0027]FIG. 11a is a partial sectional view of a corner of the enclosureillustrating the clip and handle assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, there is shown a vehicle in the form ofa riding mower 20 supported upon ground engaging wheels 22 and having adrive and driven portion 24, 26, respectively. Further included is aseating apparatus 28 for accomodating an operator and positioned so asto allow the operator to be within easy reach of the mower drivecontrols 30. Forming a rear of the mower 20 is an air filtration devicein the form of a screened enclosure 32, as seen in FIG. 1, and which ishoused below a hood 34 of the mower 20.

[0029] Looking now to FIG. 2, attachment of the enclosure 32 to a frameportion 36 of the mower 20 is shown. Specifically, the enclosure 32 isfitted in proximity to and against a radiator plate 38 which framesand/or supports an upstanding radiator (not shown) for the vehicle 20.Once enclosure 32 is fitted beyond an outer peripheral edge 40 of andunderneath hood 34, the enclosure 32 connects with brackets or catches42 welded to plate 38 so as to secure the enclosure 32 to the plate 38and thus also, to brackets 36 which are available for connection withthe frame of the vehicle 20.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, enclosure 32 includes an exterior surface 44including a front side 46, intermediate sides 48 and rear side 50.Intermediate sides 48 include connected vertical and horizontalpartitions 52 spaced throughout and have screening portions 54interposed between the partitions 52. Handles 56 are bolted onto anextension 58 contained in each of two identical, yet parallel partitions52 as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. Adjoined to the rear side 50 of theenclosure 32 is a seal 60, preferably made of rubber, for use in sealingthe enclosure 32 to the plate 38, as seen specifically in FIG. 6a aswell as in FIG. 11a. Included at the front side 46 of the enclosure 32is a sheet 62 of undulating screening, preferably made of metal andhaving perforations therethrough, and having vertically waveringportions or ribs 64 throughout. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that materials other than metal may be used in theconstruction of the provided screening. The undulations 64 may also beprovided in a horizontal pattern. However, it is preferred, in thisembodiment, that they be provided in a vertical configuration so as notto create a shelf upon which debris may lie.

[0031] Both FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a left and right rear perspectiveof the enclosure 32, respectively. As shown by both figures, theenclosure 32 incorporates a pair of left and right clips 66 and centerclip 68 respectively, each of which is mounted to an interior side 70 ofat least three of the partitions 52. Clips 66, 68 are spring assistedand maintain both a buckled portion 72 and upwardly inclined portion 74,and are attached to the partition 52 with fastening devices 76 such asbolts and nuts. Held opposite clips 66 on the exterior 44 of enclosure32 are the handles 56 which include a circular loop 78 that may begrasped so as to maneuver the enclosure 32. As shown in FIG. 5, each ofclips 66 and handles 56 include flattened mounting plates 80, 82extending therefrom, respectively. When assembled, as shown in FIGS. 4and 5, mounting plates 80, 82 align with each other relative to interiorand exterior surfaces 70, 44 of the enclosure 32. Buckled portion 72 andloop 78 extend laterally opposite one another about an axis extendingtransversely to each of the clips 66 and handle 56 so as not to exertunnecessary forces on enclosure 32 upon removal or installation onvehicle 20. Additionally, to absorb forces applied to center clip 68when enclosure 32 is installed onto or removed from the vehicle 20,exterior surface 44 includes a brace or stiffening plate 84 attachedthereto, as seen in FIG. 6a. Brace 84 includes a downwardly bent tongue86 which compresses against seal 60, as best shown in FIG. 6a.Attachment of brace 84 is made by use of the same bolt and nutcombination 76 as is used to connect center clip 68 to enclosure 32, asillustrated in FIG. 6.

[0032] Assembly of the enclosure 32 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Includedas part of its construction is a frame assembly consisting of both anexterior and interior, or alternatively first and second shell members88, 90, respectively. Each member is constructed in substantiallysimilar fashion and of similar material, preferably plastic allowing forlightweight design, with the exception that interior member 88 isslightly smaller in dimension when compared with exterior member 90.Thus, manufacture of only the interior member 90 will be discussed indetail. As also seen in FIG. 9, interior member 90 consists of a frontedge 92, intermediate sides 94 and rear edge 96. Adjacent a border 98,shown in FIG. 9a, of front bottom edge 92 is a transversely andrearwardly extending sill or shoulder 100 that receives a wave-shapedscreen mounting structure 102. A similarly shaped screen mountingstructure 104, shown in FIG. 7, is provided in the other shell member 88that would be positioned adjacent the wave-shaped structure 102 in thefirst shell member 90 with the screen element 62 being sandwichedbetween the two wave-shaped structures 102 and 104. Since the twowave-shaped structures 102 and 104 are essentially identical, only theone illustrated in FIG. 9 will be discussed in detail.

[0033] The wave-shaped screen mounting structure 102 is of a generallysinusoidal shape with alternating vertically extending fore and aftspaced ribs 106. The ribs 106 are connected with web portions 108 toprovide a generally U-shaped channel or slot 110.

[0034] Sill 100 continues upward from the left and right junctures 112from front bottom side 92. Interconnecting the web 102 beyond thejunctures 112 are straight extensions 114 of the sill 100. Intermediateside 94 contains hollowed segments or openings 116 defined by partitions52 spaced at unequal intervals throughout. Along side 94, portions 118of at least two partitions 52 are angled so as to allow left and rightsections 120, 122 of side 94 to maintain a outwardly bowed configurationwith sections 120, 122 extending both upwardly and downwardly on eitherside of the bow 124.

[0035] As further seen in FIG. 9, partition 52 extends upwardly from thebow 124 and includes an extension 58. Holes 126 are formed therein so asto allow reception of bolts 76 used to secure clips 66 and handles 56 oneither side of extension 58. At a rear side 96 of interior member 88 isan outwardly extending ledge or edge 128 provided along its entirelength, as seen in FIG. 7.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7, two sheets 130 of perforated screening havingapertures 132 illustrated in detail by FIG. 8, are brought together tooverlay intermediate side 94. Apertures 132 provide openings in screens130 to allow the attachment of fastening devices 76 to each ofextensions 58.

[0037] Looking now to FIGS. 6 and 10-11, screens 62 and 130, exteriormember 88 and interior member 90 together form a sealed frame thatrestricts entry of foreign matter or debris at their joint from passinginto the radiator and surrounding engine area. With focus on FIGS. 6 and11, coupling of interior and exterior members 88 and 90 to sandwichscreens 62 and 130 is shown. This construction provides a housing orframe assembly in the form of a shell 134 with screens 130 coveringhollowed portions 116 extending between partitions 52 and screen 62positioned at the front of each of the members 88 and 90.

[0038] To assemble enclosure 32 which is illustrated in an explodedfashion to form the shell-like structure 134 illsutrated in FIG. 3,screening panel 62 is seated within and adhesively mounted on sill orshoulder 100 to the wave shaped structure 102 of interior member 90.Next, the two screening sheets 130 are mounted to the side 94. Exteriormember 88 is then pressed onto interior member 90 and thus, encasessheets 130 and screening panel 62. Members 88 and 90 are held securelytogether by use of an adhesive placed on an outside surface ofpartitions 52 which contact the interior of exterior member 88, suchcontact occurring when overlay of members 88 and 90 takes place.Additionally, seal 60 is attached to edges 128 and 136 of both interiorand exterior members 90, 88 respectively, as seen in both FIGS. 7 and11-11 a. Finally, clips 66 and 68 and handles 56 are attached to surface44 of exterior member 88 through connection to extensions 58. Connectionis accomplished upon installation of nut and bolt combination 76.

[0039] Looking as well to FIGS. 3-5, allowing for the easy removal andreinstallation of the enclosure 32 to the vehicle 20 without the use oftools or other hardware, clips 66, 68 permit adjustment of the enclosure32 with the catches 42 formed on radiator plate 38. Attachment may beaccomplished by the operator maneuvering enclosure 32 into alignmentwith catches 42 through use of handles 56. Thereafter, each buckledportion 72 of the clips 66 presses against or is clasped against each ofcatches 42, an instance of which is shown in FIG. 11, so as to securethe enclosure 32 to the plate 38 and thus, to the vehicle 20. Removal ofthe enclosure 32 from the vehicle 20 is achieved by the operatorgrasping loop 78 of handle 56 and pulling, thereby allowing the buckledportion 72 to slide free of each catch 42 to disengage enclosure 32 fromthe plate 38.

[0040] Sealing of the enclosure 32 to the vehicle 20 is permitted bycompression of seal 60 against the radiator plate 38. Attachment of thestrip 60 to the shell 134 is seen best in FIGS. 6a, 11 and 11 a. Seal 60includes a bumper 138 in the form of an elongated member to which isadjoined a U-shaped extension 140, comprising rubber having a metalstiffening component therein (unshown) and having legs 142, 144, asshown in FIG. 6a. As again seen in FIG. 6a, edges of members 88, 90 fitbetween legs 142, 144 when enclosure 32 is fully assembled.

[0041] Sealing of enclosure 32 to plate 38 is further assisted whenspring-assisted clips 66, 68 latch onto catches 42. As buckled portion72 clasps onto catch 42, bumper 138 is compressibly forced into abutmentwith plate 38 so as to ensure constant and uniform contact therewith, asseen in FIG. 11a. Further and as shown in FIG. 2, after enclosure 32 hasbeen seatably positioned against plate 38, the outward bow created byportions 118 in the partitions 52 reduce the space between the enclosureand the hood to decrease the area through which debris may enter.Accordingly, the likelihood and amount of debris entering the radiatorand surrounding engine area is greatly diminished.

[0042] With the instant invention, there is provided an enclosureassembly 32 which effectively limits the amount and type of debris whichcan enter the engine compartment of a vehicle. Additionally, provisionof clips 66, 68 on an interior of enclosure 32 permits an aestheticallypleasing and streamlined appearance often desired by operator's of lawnand garden equipment such as riding mowers.

[0043] While the present invention has been described in conjunctionwith a specific embodiment, it is understood that many alternatives,modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this inventionis intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications andvariations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

We claim:
 1. An enclosure, comprising: a) a shell having side portionswith front and back edges, the portions and surfaces defining aninterior; b) screening carried within the interior of the shell, thescreening including undulating portions carried adjacent the front edgeof the shell; and, c) a means for securing the shell to mountingstructure carried on a vehicle, the means located on the interior of theshell.
 2. The enclosure as recited in claim 1 wherein: the shellincludes a frame assembly which houses the screening.
 3. The enclosureas recited in claim 2 wherein: the frame assembly includes interior andexterior members, the interior member being receivable within and bondedto the exterior member.
 4. The enclosure as recited in claim 3 wherein:each of the interior and exterior members includes partitions extendingbetween the front and back edges.
 5. The enclosure as recited in claim 4wherein: the partitions are generally flat sections.
 6. The enclosure asrecited in claim 3 wherein: the interior and exterior members eachinclude a front edge and a series of slots for receiving the undulatingportions.
 7. The enclosure as recited in claim 6 wherein: the means forsecuring includes a plurality of spring clips mounted on the sideportions.
 8. The enclosure as recited in claim 3 wherein: the screeningis secured between the interior and exterior members.
 9. The enclosureas recited in claim 7, further comprising: handles provided on theexterior member adjacent at least two of the clips.
 10. The enclosure asrecited in claim 3 wherein: the interior and exterior members are madeof plastic and the screening is made of perforated metal.
 11. Theenclosure as recited in claim 3, further comprising: a seal providedaround the back edges.
 12. The enclosure as recited in claim 1 wherein:the means for securing includes a plurality of spring clips mounted onthe side portions.
 13. The enclosure as recited in claim 12 wherein: themeans for securing are mounted adjacent the back edges.
 14. A vehicle,comprising: a) a frame supported upon a plurality of ground engagingwheels; b) a shell having front, back and side edges defining aninterior and being attachable to the frame; c) screening carried withinthe interior of the shell, the screening including undulating portionspositioned adjacent the front edge of the shell; and, d) a means forsecuring the shell to the vehicle, the means located on the interior ofthe shell.
 15. The vehicle as recited in claim 14 wherein: the shellincludes an interior and exterior member, the interior member beingfixedly received within the exterior member.
 16. The vehicle as recitedin claim 15 wherein: each of the interior and exterior members includespartitions placed throughout their sides, the partitions definingopenings in the sides.
 17. The vehicle as recited in claim 16 wherein:the screening is divided into two sheets which wrap around the sides ofthe interior member and which extend across the openings.
 18. Thevehicle as recited in claim 17 wherein: the exterior member secures thescreening in place when the interior member is received within theexterior member.
 19. The vehicle as recited in claim 18 wherein: each ofthe interior and exterior members includes a series of slots whichreceive the undulating portions.
 20. The vehicle as recited in claim 16wherein: the securing means is a spring assisted clip mounted on each ofat least three of the partitions within the interior member.
 21. Thevehicle as recited in claim 20, further comprising: a handle providedfor use in positioning the shell and which is bolted to the shellopposite two of the spring clips.
 22. The vehicle as recited in claim20, further comprising: handles provided for use in maneuvering theshell, each of which is bolted to the shell opposite a spring clip. 23.The vehicle as recited in claim 22 wherein: the frame includes bracketson which the spring clips matingly engage so as to secure the shell tothe frame.
 24. The enclosure as recited in claim 23 wherein: the shellfurther comprises a seal which surrounds an edge of the frame assemblyso as to prevent the introduction of debris therein.
 25. The vehicle asrecited in claim 24 wherein: the interior and exterior members are madeof plastic and the screening is made of perforated metal.
 26. Adetachable air filter structure usable with a vehicle having a framecarried on wheels, an engine cooled by liquid flowing therethrough, anda radiator connected with the engine, the filter structure comprising:a) a housing including first and second shell members, each having sidemembers with front and rear edges, the second shell member beingtelescopically receivable within the first shell member; b) a screeningelement receivable at the adjacent front edges of the side members; c) asealing element receivable between the adjacent rear edges of the shellmembers; and, d) a plurality of clips carried near the rear edges of thehousing and being releasably receivable on bracket structure carried onthe vehicle.
 27. The filter structure as recited in claim 26 wherein:the screen element is configured as a set of generally undulating ribsconnected together by web portions.
 28. The filter structure as recitedin claim 27 wherein: the ribs lie along different planes.
 29. The filterstructure as recited in claim 26 wherein: the screening element isconfigured with generally elongated alternating portions offset fore andaft, the portions being interconnected by web portions.
 30. The filterstructure as recited in claim 29 wherein: the elongated portions areoriented generally vertically.
 31. The filter structure as recited inclaim 26 wherein: the plurality of clips are carried on the second shellmember.
 32. The filter structure as recited in claim 31 wherein: thereare a pair of laterally spaced apart clips carried on an interiorsurface of the second shell member and there is further provided ahandle laterally spaced outwardly of each clip, the handles beingcarried on the first shell member.
 33. The filter structure as recitedin claim 26 wherein: the first and second shell members are made ofplastic and the screening is made of perforated metal.
 34. The filterstructure as recited in claim 26 wherein: at least one of the sidemembers includes a second screening element placed thereon.